Bongo and flats question

[yukon]

I've got a 5 string HH with piezo through a PJB sixpak combo. Lots of great tones obviously but I'm wanting to cut back on the finger noise. I'm aware that some of that is technique and eq but I would like to try some flats just for kicks. I'll never know unless I try.

So, it sounds like the D'Addario chrome flats are pretty popular for rock and still allow a bit of slapping. Am I on the right track or is there a better option out there? It sounds like the Ti flats don't have enough tension for slapping but is there anything else they give up?

Thanks in advance.

 

[bassmonkeee]

Talk to your favorite Ernie Ball string dealer, and have them order you a 5 string set of Ernie Ball Flatwounds.

I'm a big fan of the Chromes, and the EB flats are very similar in tension and feel.

 

[sandman@midlife]

listen to the monkee

 

[adouglas]

Don't know about slapping since I'm really not into that, but the TI flats are fantastic strings. Flat with growl.

 

[Chris C]

It sounds like the Ti flats don't have enough tension for slapping but is there anything else they give up?

Hmmm, let's see. Tone?

On a brighter note... you don't need high-tension strings for slapping. The bass I slap with is strung with 30-90 specifically for slapping. IMO super light gauge strings are perfect for that style. So... if you can handle the tone of flats, slapping on lower tension flats is probably going to be better sounding than on the typical high tension cables.

 

[bassmonkeee]

Hmmm, let's see. Tone?

Bah! Heretic!

 

[prickly_pete]

I like to slap. I have tried all of the popular flats. For me, the TIs do not work well for slapping -- they are too dead sounding and loose feeling. The EB Group III flats are brighter than TIs and they have a good bouncy feeling for slapping (for that old school slap tone). This is an EB forum, so we should be discussing their strings and not the competition, anyway, right?

 

[bovinehost]

This is an EB forum, so we should be discussing their strings and not the competition, anyway, right?

Right!

I try to not squash these free-wheeling discussions, but let's remember that this is the forum that Slinkys built.

 

[Psychicpet]

I've got a 5 string HH with piezo through a PJB sixpak combo. Lots of great tones obviously but I'm wanting to cut back on the finger noise. I'm aware that some of that is technique and eq but I would like to try some flats just for kicks. I'll never know unless I try.

So, it sounds like the D'Addario chrome flats are pretty popular for rock and still allow a bit of slapping. Am I on the right track or is there a better option out there? It sounds like the Ti flats don't have enough tension for slapping but is there anything else they give up?

Thanks in advance.

Now that is a gorgeous set up!!!

I've just put flats on my Bongo5 HH and I do dig the tone.

if you want, check here to have a quick listen:


MySpace and click on the song "Stone"

 

[58super]

Right!

I try to not squash these free-wheeling discussions, but let's remember that this is the forum that Slinkys built.

Slinkys may have built the forum and they're great strings, but EB flats sound great on my Bongo too.

 

[Dr Stankface]

EB flats > all other flats. period.

IMHO

Great tension with an even great sound.

 

[yukon]

Thanks for the audio link. I like that tone. What effects did you have and how did you record? I heard some reverb...

 

[soniq]

So help me out here. I want to try EB flats on my SR5 but I don't see a listing on the site for a 5-string set. Do I order a pack plus the one string separately ?

 

[russinator]

According to Dargin on the strings forum http://www.ernieball.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15287
they are 2810's. But you're right they aren't listed on the EB site or as far as I can see on Juststrings or other dealers sites.

 

[bassmonkeee]

According to Dargin on the strings forum http://www.ernieball.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15287
they are 2810's. But you're right they aren't listed on the EB site or as far as I can see on Juststrings or other dealers sites.

Here ya go.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ernie-Ball-2810-Flatwound-5String-Bass-Strings-Set?sku=100874

 

[russinator]

Oh good grief!

Thanks!

 

[soniq]

Thanks ! Man are flats always that pricey? Nice bass BTW Russ . I'd like to put flats on my SR5HH that looks just like yours.

 

[Aussie Mark]

Man are flats always that pricey?

You think $5/year is pricey?

 

[soniq]

EB Flats cost twice as much as the comparable rounds from what I've seen, but I understand they last much longer too ? Regardless, I'm getting a set to try on my SR5 .

You think $5/year is pricey?

 

[IkaruShizzlemah]

I just want to clarify this again:

Flats = Good.

Rounds = Bad.

As far as price goes, the EB flats will far outlast rounds, so it evens out.

Ikaru